Britain’s iconic Tower Bridge to close for repairs

London: The 122-year-old iconic Tower Bridgeon the River Thames here is to close for three months for essential repairs and upgrade, it was announced today. Tower Bridge Road will close to vehicles from October but a crossing for allow pedestrians and tourists to still use the bridge on all days except three weekends during the period, the City of London Corporation said. More than 40,000 people reportedly cross over the landmark every day, including 21,000 vehicles.

This daily heavy use has had an effect on the timber decking of the bridge which was last refurbished in the 1970s. “This decision to close Tower Bridge to vehicles has not been taken lightly, and this course of action has been taken after extensive consultation and planning in conjunction with numerous stakeholders,” said Chris Hayward, chairman of the Planning and Transport Committee of the corporation.

“We will use this time to repair, refurbish, and upgrade London’s most iconic bridge, which has gone without significant engineering works for more than 35 years. “We will work hard to minimise disruption to both pedestrians and motor vehicles, and the bridge’s viewing walkways and exhibitions will stay open for the entirety of the works,” he said. The closure will allow for waterproofing of the archways in the approach to the bridge, which were last worked on when they were built at the end of the 19th century. The viewing gallery along the walkways of the bridge, popular with tourists, will remain open during the period.